Bursitis treatment device and method

Abstract

A bursitis treatment device (100; 200) for treatment of inflammation of a bursa (150; 502) in a patient's joint includes:a rinsing aid;a reservoir (101; 201) for holding the rinsing aid in fluid, freezing fluid or gaseous state;a supply line (103; 204, 208) for transporting the rinsing aid;a heat exchanger (104; 203) for controlling the temperature of the rinsing aid—such that the temperature of the rinsing aid enables to destroy cells causing the inflammation;an access device (209) for injecting the rinsing aid into the bursa (150; 205); anda drain (105; 210) for removing the rinsing aid from the bursa (150; 205) for elimination.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to the treatment of bursitis, i.e. a painful inflammation of a bursa which is a soft, fluid-filled sac that covers and cushions the relative movement between bones, tendons and muscles near the patient's joints. The invention in particular concerns a device and method for treatment of bursitis in the human or animal body on permanent basis, i.e. a device and technique that destroys all bursa membrane cells that cause the inflammation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Bursitis is an unsolved medical problem. Bursitis is an inflammation of a bursa or protecting sac that is located in or near the patients joints. Bursitis can be acute resulting in a sudden, sharp pain following an injury, or it can be chronic as a result of a recurrent inflammation in the same area. Most commonly, bursitis is caused by trauma, infection and crystal deposits. Bursitis typically results from overuse or injury of a joint as a consequence o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a bursitis treatment device that can effectively flush or flush out bursa cells causing inflammation. The device includes a rinsing aid that can be heated or cooled to a specific temperature to destroy cells. The rinsing aid can be a fluid or gas and can be injected into the bursa through a needle or catheter. The device can be used with a single access device or multiple access devices. It is designed to improve the treatment of bursitis by using a therapeutic rinsing fluid or gas that can destroy cells in the bursa. The device can be used with a perforated catheter or other access device for complete removal of the rinsing aid after treatment. The device helps to prevent recurring or chronic bursitis by eliminating the risk of inflammation."

Problems solved by technology

Bursitis is an unsolved medical problem.

Bursitis typically results from overuse or injury of a joint as a consequence of intensive working or playing, poor conditioning before exercising or sporting, systematic incorrect posture at work or rest, or an abnormal positioned joint as a result of for instance arthritis or bone length differences that stress soft tissue structures in the human or animal body.

When the joint is overused or when it stays under pressure or tension for extended periods of time, a nearby bursa or sac can become inflamed.

The bursa then fills with excess fluid causing additional pressure on surrounding tissue resulting in bursitis.

The known bursitis treatment methods however all remove or suppress the inflammation only temporarily.

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